My first S&W, M66

I picked this one up today and I can't wait to shoot it. It's a police trade in and the serial says the built date is 1976. She's not the prettiest I've ever seen but that is what I wanted - intend to shoot the snot out of it :D

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Flint Ridge

April 20, 2011, 10:26 PM

Can't go wrong with a 66. Nice catch, but be warned if this is your first it probably won't be your last!

Eaglestroker

April 20, 2011, 10:29 PM

This was my first revolver purchase. Funny you should say that though, I nearly walked out the door with a 6" as well :) Already wishing I hadn't of passed it up.

Flint Ridge

April 20, 2011, 11:09 PM

My 6" 66 is just too much fun at the range. The 4" is great as well. I'll have to find a snubbie to go along with the 66-1's and the one original 66 no dash that is all stainless. Enjoy!

gamestalker

April 21, 2011, 12:39 AM

I love those 66's. I have a 66-2 snubby and a 66-5 also a snubby. I read that S&W did a K frame test based on claims that magnum 125 gr. bullets wil fracture the forcing cone. S&W put 250,000, yes 250,000 full magnum 125's though one and the firearm was in absolutely perfect condition following the test. In fact the words nearly indestructable were used when rating the K frame following that test. To that I can attest that I exclusively shoot H110/296 full magnum loads through both of mine to the tune of probably 10,000 rounds through the 66-2, and over 3,000 in the 66-5 without a single problem.

Jim NE

April 21, 2011, 03:22 AM

Nice catch, but be warned if this is your first it probably won't be your last!

How true. I bought my first S&W 5 months ago, my first S&W REVOLVER four weeks ago, and another S&W revolve last week.

oldfool

April 21, 2011, 08:32 AM

yep, for a "first", it just don't hardly get any better than that

as to 357 k-frame forcing cones vs. 125 grain 357s, that is one of the classic cyberspace gun forum eternal debates. For a fact, there were some problems with that back-when, notably SuperVel 125 grain and/or HOT hand loads (not sure if so w/ k-66s or only k-19s), but today's factory SAAMI loads ain't yesteryear SuperVel.

if worried about it, just stick with 158 gr standard 357 fodder
(and they also throw 38 sp and 38+P lead downrange real good, too)

madcratebuilder

April 21, 2011, 08:43 AM

Nice choice for your first S&W, now go get the 6" model.

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d37/madcratebuilder/SW01.jpg

Eaglestroker

April 21, 2011, 11:28 AM

Thanks guys! The thought of that 6" still in the cabinet is not good for my wallet. Hopefully it will still be there when I have the money to get it.

oldfool

April 22, 2011, 06:31 AM

Thanks guys! The thought of that 6" still in the cabinet is not good for my wallet. Hopefully it will still be there when I have the money to get it.

not if I get there first, it won't :D

(just kidding, already have two.... but I do think madcrate has been poking around in my gun safe, taking pictures !)

Usmc-1

April 22, 2011, 10:55 AM

I used the 66 as my backup years ago and it was the carry (duty model) , ya cant beat the durability and its down right fun to shoot , like everyone else says though "it wont be your last" , if your like the rest of us , pretty soon you'll have list of guns you want , have to have ,curious about ,or just interested , I have had the fever for years sometimes my temp is 103 for it , you'll see what I mean!

Lucky Derby

April 22, 2011, 01:02 PM

Congrats.

Eaglestroker

April 22, 2011, 05:33 PM

Well it was a successful morning. Have the day off so I decided to roll down to the family land for a range session. Had this on my hip walking back to our pond and scared a few older guys fishing on our pond half to death with I came through the woods with it on my hip and a rifle in my hands.

But to the point - this thing is a tack driver. I shot 100 rds of 132 grain FMJ 38's and about 75 125gr semi-jacket hollow point .357 Magnums and was able to get 4rds within about 1/2" of each other at 15 yds. I always ended up with one or two about 6 inches from the group but I'm pretty positive it was user error. With a little more practice and a lot more ammo I think this is going to quickly become my favorite pistol to shoot and carry.

stinger 327

April 22, 2011, 07:55 PM

I remember I bought my 4 inch Mod. 66 in 1983 for $280.00 brand new. How much do these cost now? I know they aren't made anymore.

gifford

April 22, 2011, 09:29 PM

Yep, the M-66 no dash; fine sidearm. It was my primary duty sidearm back in the day. Our department sent in an order for the 66, 4 inch, red sight insert. I paid $176 in 1977. Changed out the wood stocks for Pacs. The seat belts rubbed the wood stocks, so the rubber grips kept my wood ones pristine. Later I got a 2 1/2 inch, also a 66 no dash. Seeing that 6 inch has got me thinking....g

Eaglestroker

April 23, 2011, 02:15 AM

To Stinger: The shop I bought this from had it tagged @ a little over twice what yours was new. I got a better deal on it than that and could have paid more than it's worth - but honestly I wanted it and he knew it. I'm happy with it so that is what counts.

I finished up a home for her for now, have a state wide range even next weekend and I wanted to wear my new favorite shooter:

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Ssthis07GT/DSC_0136.jpg

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Ssthis07GT/DSC_0134.jpg

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Ssthis07GT/DSC_0125.jpg

stinger 327

April 23, 2011, 03:07 AM

To Stinger: The shop I bought this from had it tagged @ a little over twice what yours was new. I got a better deal on it than that and could have paid more than it's worth - but honestly I wanted it and he knew it. I'm happy with it so that is what counts.

I finished up a home for her for now, have a state wide range even next weekend and I wanted to wear my new favorite shooter:

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Ssthis07GT/DSC_0136.jpg

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Ssthis07GT/DSC_0134.jpg

http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae95/Ssthis07GT/DSC_0125.jpg
Back in those days I got a police discount so it was still a good price and this was not the regular issue. Only officers got these.

sixgunner455

April 23, 2011, 11:58 AM

That's a great sixgun to start with. Or end with. Or have as a one and only. Nice!

LTR shooter

April 23, 2011, 01:19 PM

A Model 66 is a great choice in a 357 revolver. Nice pics. Have a couple 66s as myself , a pinned/recessed 66-1 and a later 66-5 that is a hec of a shooter. I need to get my 66s out to the range soon!

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